What's New at Old Town Auburn County Christmas This Year

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The 31st annual Old Town Auburn Country Christmas is bringing back everything that you love about this beloved holiday tradition, plus plenty of new treats and surprises as well.

Country Christmas takes you back to the 1800’s when Auburn’s earliest residents would gather in the town square during the crisp holiday evenings for entertainment, carols, and to take home special gifts for friends and loved ones. Today this tradition continues with a holiday event that has delighted residents and visitors for generations.

Here’s what you can expect from this year’s Country Christmas, a free community event taking place on Saturday, December 9, 2017 and Saturday December 16, 2017 from 5 P.M. to 9 P.M. in Old Town Auburn.

Music

Cozy up with some hot cocoa and enjoy the distinct sounds of Country Christmas in Old Town Auburn, from traditional holiday tunes to indie country-bluegrass originals.

Manzanita, a Northern California indie folk band, will perform their blend of country and bluegrass music during both nights of Country Christmas, December 9 and December 16.

Small ensembles from Auburn Winds, the City of Auburn’s official town band, will be performing traditional holiday music during both Country Christmas dates, December 9 and December 16.

Carolers will be in attendance, dressed in period costume and delighting event attendees with traditional holiday music.

Dance Performances

Enjoy the sights of local dance groups and schools performing in their own distinctive styles. Take in the entertainment of talented dancers and choreographers who call Auburn home.

Firefighters

Old Town Auburn’s Historic Firehouse was built in 1891 by volunteer firemen of Auburn Hook and Ladder Company No.2. The charming red building is one of Old Town Auburn’s most distinctive and famous attractions. Firefighters will be serving bowls of hot chowder out of the historic Firehouse during Country Christmas, so stop by, grab a bowl, and say hello to some of Auburn’s bravest!

Santa Claus

Santa is definitely coming to Old Town for Country Christmas. Be sure to stop by to give Santa your wish list and take a photo with Mr. Claus. Santa will be in Old Town from 6 P.M. to 9 P.M. on December 9 and December 16.

Cowboys

Country Christmas is a unique celebration of our Western heritage, and there’s no better way to pay homage than with cowboys strolling the event in period costume. Put on your boots and saddle up, because this year the strolling cowboys are definitely putting the “country” in Country Christmas.

Kids’ Zone

Country Christmas is a family-friendly event that is often attended by multigenerational families. Grandparents, parents, and kids alike find something to love at this event. This year, kids will find even more to do in the dedicated Kids’ Zone, including crafts, old time carnival games, and pony rides.

Adult Warming Station

The Adult Warming Station makes its second appearance at the Old Town Auburn Country Christmas event. Located next to Bootleggers Old Town Tavern and Grill on Washington Street, the adult warming station will offer hot spiced hard cider, hot buttered rum, mulled wine, and Irish coffee to keep you in good “spirits” during the cool, winter night.

Winter Bonfire

If the adult warming station didn’t sufficiently fight back the crisp, December air, the Country Christmas bonfire is available to help warm noses, fingers, and toes. Enjoy the ambiance of a crackling fire, laughter and stories with friends, and warm fire-side snuggling with loved ones.

Holiday Open House

Old Town Auburn merchants are hosting a holiday open house during the Country Christmas festivities, so come on in and visit the open shops, boutiques, businesses, and eateries. Get inspired by the holiday decor, shop for the perfect gift, enjoy special event promotions and deals, and get a taste of Old Town. We’re open for business and you’re invited!

Vendor Fair

Country Christmas vendors embrace the spirit of this event, wearing holiday attire and lighting their booths with the soft glow of lanterns as they display their unique, hand-made, and artisan crafted goods. Come find the perfect gift for yourself or someone on your list, get a taste of local, farm-to-fork flavors, and explore all of the offerings available from our vendors.

More than 70 vendors will be making appearances this year, including:

Angry Butterfly Designs

Baublez and Bowz

Birch and Willow Candles

Chateau Marlowe

Cowgirl Suds

Dreaded River Soaps

Green Leaf Soap Co.

Ma and Pop’s Kettle Corn

Milk Made Creations

Moonshadow Gemstones

Terri Sue’s Toffee and Treats

The Front Porch

and many, many more!

Look for booths from Old Town Auburn merchants, such as Old Town Pizza, Auburn Alehouse, Sierra Moon Goldsmiths, Carpe Vino, Studio 49 Salon, as well.

Country Christmas is a beloved Auburn holiday tradition for good reason. This celebration of Christmas’ past honors the legacy of our western heritage and takes you back to a simpler time of friends, family, and loved ones. It’s a free event that celebrates community and shines a spotlight on the things that we hold dear during the holiday season. Take a break from the present day and step back in time with a holiday event that’s been treasured in Auburn for generations; join us for an unforgettable Old Town Country Christmas.